Bifurcation loads of beams of glued-laminated timber with intermediate lateral supports

In the present paper bifurcation loads of beams of glued-laminated timber with intermediate lateral supports at the upper chord are determined by means of the finite element method. The main objective of the considerations is to be shown, how negative moment effects due to elastic restraints at the ends the critical loads influence. The computations are restricted in this case to uniform loads which act in height of the upper chord. Based on the calculated critical loads the design for lateral torsional buckling of continuous beams, elements of frames, and beams with bracket can be determined according to DIN 1052 more precisely and more safeguarded. © 2006, VDI Fachmedien GmBbH & Co.. All rights reserved.